Bayern turn to Van Bommel as Ballack replacement
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-03-15 08:45

BERLIN (AFP) - Dutch international midfielder Mark van Bommel is the number one target to replace want-away Michael Ballack at Bayern Munich, according to the German club.

With the German midfielder looking certain to move away from Bavaria for a likely transfer to the English Premiership and champions Chelsea, Bayern have revealed their interest in signing out-of-favour Barcelona player van Bommel - but only if the price is right.

"If Barcelona say to us we will sell for two or three million euros, then we will begin discussions. Van Bommel is too old for us to play games," claimed Bayern sporting director Uli Hoeness in Munich daily newspaper TZ.

The 28-year-old former PSV Eindhoven talisman only moved to Catalunya in the last close season and has a contract with Barcelona until 2008 but he has been unable to force his way into coach Frank Rijkaard's starting line-up.

Barcelona are believed to value the player at around 12 million euros but Bayern are unwilling to pay that kind of money for a player approaching 30.

"We are ready to spend a lot of money on a player of 24 or 25 years. If we are going to invest 20 to 30 million euros in a player, he has to have prospects," added Hoeness.

The last time Bayern splashed the cash for a player it was another Dutch arrival from Spain. The German giants paid 18.75 million euros to Deportivo La Coruna for Roy Makaay but have been rewarded with a return of 56 goals from the Dutch international in just over two-and-a-half seasons.